10 Aug 2014

Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing has encouraged people living together with the less fortunate to instill a sense of belonging in them.

Speaking at the handing over of a two bedroomed house to Mr Lebesani Baeletsi, Dr Seakgosing said people were dependent on the help of others such that the less fortunate could lose a sense of belonging and purposeful life if such people stopped that support. 

He said it was on that note that the government decided not to only encourage the nation to be compassionate, just and caring but also devised Vision 2016 strategy with such a purposeful pillar.

Rev. Dr Seakgosing said Batswana could not be happy whilst other Batswana have no better place to stay or lived in abject poverty just because they are less privileged.

He however said the Nyangabgwe Referral hospital employees and all those who contributed towards building for Mr Baeletsi should be commended.

The hospital employees and their sponsors have proved that the hospital motto of “You are in safe hands” did not only apply to bed ridden patients but could be extended to improve lives and keep people away from the hospital.

Rev. Dr Seakgoing said the project demonstrated that people working together for a common purpose could ease physical and mental suffering and even provide a happier and meaningful life to others.

On Ebola disease, the minister assured the audience that currently there were no known cases of Ebola in the SADC countries.

He however, said his ministry was on alert for any possible cases of the disease and he encouraged the community to be on the alert mode as well.

In his welcome remarks, Donga Customary Court president, Mr Harmony Moyo said the gesture was in line with presidential appeal and commended the employees for contributing from their salaries.

He implored the Ministry of health to intensify Ebola prevention measures noting that Botswana had a small population that could be wiped in short period of time should preventative measures not be applied.

For his part, Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital superintendent Dr Malaki Tshipayagae said the project was started in 2011, adding that it was not easy to convince the employees to contribute towards the project as it kicked off after the industrial action when some employees were not paid while some were dismissed from duty. 

Dr Malaki thanked the Francistown business community for contributing towards the realisation of the project.

A representative of the contributors, Mr Goodnews Gumbo of Haskins and Sons thanked all those who contributed towards the project.

Mr Gumbo said his company’s contribution was part of their corporate social responsibility because they felt they were part of community.

For his part, Mr Baeletsi thanked all those who contributed towards the house and requested that the help be extended to others. 

He said he was willing to contribute in helping others as well. ENDS